Arrive Paro – Thimphu

Tamchog Lhakhang, Tashi Chhodzong and later evening stroll down the Thimphu city.

Thimphu Sightseeing

Buddha Point, National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin Zoo, Textile Museum, Postal Museum and Folk Heritage Museum.

Thimphu – Punakha

Leave Thimphu early after Breakfast up to Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters) to attend the spectacular Druk Wangyal Festival (45 Minutes drive, 22 km). Later visit Punakha Dzong & Punakha suspension bridge.

Punakha

In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.

Enjoy a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before driving back into the Punakha valley for a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.

Punakha – Trongsa

Explore the bustling market town of Wangduephodrang before driving over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range which divide western and central Bhutan. White langur monkeys can often be spotted in the moss-draped forests in this area. Further on, in silent isolation surrounded by great forested hills is beautiful Chendibji Chorten built in the 18th Century to commemorate the subjugation of a local demon. It is built in a style unusual for Bhutan, with painted eyes facing the four directions. The imposing Trongsa Dzong can be viewed across a deep canyon to signal your approach to the town around a curving road.

Trongsa – Bumthang

After breakfast visit Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Afters light refreshments begin the drive to Bumthang.

After refreshing yourself at your lodge, visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom where Bhutan’s patron saint Guru Rimpoche meditated and Jambay Lhakhang, erected by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century.

Bumthang

Drive to the Ura valley to witness the colourful masked dances and cultural festivities of the Ura Festival. Join local villagers from the local area gathered in their finest clothes for an exciting tradition of music, dancing, colour, and religious blessings.

Excursion to Ura Valley

Enjoy an excursion to Tang Valley, the most remote valley in the Bumthang district. Activities may include a 45 minute walk uphill to Ugyen Chholing Palace, built in the 16th century by the Trongsa Penlop Tshokey Dorji. The main building in the complex now features a fascinating museum offering a real insight into the lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. Highlights include a book of divination, a dakini dance costume made of bone. You may also visit 14th century Tang Rimochen Lhakhang where Guru Rinpoche meditated and Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche’s treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa. It’s a good location to meditate.

Bumthang – Punakha

In the morning visit visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Terton Pemalingpa (founder of the Nyingmapa sect) and containing interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Pemalingpa’s heavy coat of nails is kept in the Vestibule and people are permitted to try it on. It is said that if they can walk around the inner sanctuary three times while wearing it, some of their sins will be forgiven. Afterwards drive to Punakha with lunch enroute.

Punakha – Thimphu – Paro

In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten.

Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring the Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639 the strategically located Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers.

Drive back to Thimphu where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores. Afterwards proceed to Paro.

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. Afternoon visit Drukgyal Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.

Depart from Paro

After breakfast, drive towards Airport for your onward journey.